25. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Fresh off a $500 million contract extension, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivered another vintage performance, showcasing his trademark power and a high batting average. A model of durability, he also displayed excellent plate discipline with a walk-to-strikeout ratio approaching one-to-one.
24. Andrew Abbott
The 26-year-old left-hander utilized a fastball-heavy approach to achieve a stellar 159 ERA+ and a 3.47 strikeout-to-walk ratio over a qualifying number of innings. Averaging 5.7 innings per start—well above the league average of 5.2—Abbott has established himself as the anchor of a formidable, playoff-caliber Reds rotation.
23. Ranger Suárez
Just shy of qualifying for the ERA title, the left-handed Suárez posted a 3.20 ERA and a 3.21 FIP, complemented by a 3.97 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Remarkably, he allowed only one unearned run across his 26 starts this season.
22. Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger has a strong case for being the best offseason trade acquisition by a contender. In 152 games with the Yankees, he accumulated a 5.0 WAR, contributing significantly with his power, effective baserunning, and elite defense across all three outfield positions.
21. Pete Crow-Armstrong
Despite a second-half dip in offensive production, Pete Crow-Armstrong still managed a 30-30 season at just 23 years old. His contributions were further amplified by one of the greatest defensive seasons ever recorded by an outfielder.
20. George Springer
In a remarkable renaissance season at age 35, George Springer slashed .309/.399/.560 with 32 home runs. He also added 18 stolen bases in 19 attempts over 586 plate appearances, positioning himself for a potential top-10 finish in MVP voting for the first time since 2019.
19. Fernando Tatis Jr.
A standout defender and baserunner, Fernando Tatis Jr. may be the best-fielding corner outfielder in MLB. He posted a .814 OPS despite playing his home games in the pitcher-friendly Petco Park and demonstrated new levels of durability, proving indispensable to San Diego’s success.
18. Max Fried
Max Fried proved to be the ace the Yankees desperately needed after Gerrit Cole’s season-ending Tommy John surgery. In 32 starts, he pitched nearly 200 innings, recording a 142 ERA+, a 3.07 FIP, and a 3.71 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
17. Alex Bregman
In his first season in Boston, Alex Bregman delivered his customary offensive excellence and provided plus defense at third base, stabilizing a previously flawed infield. His performance was a major success, interrupted only by a six-week stint on the injured list with a quad strain.
16. Nick Pivetta
Nick Pivetta enjoyed a career year in his first season with San Diego, boasting a sub-3.00 ERA and striking out 26.4% of opposing batters over 31 starts. His impressive 149 ERA+ and 3.49 FIP earned him the Game 1 start for a talented Padres playoff rotation.
15. Nico Hoerner
While remaining one of the game’s elite defensive second basemen and a premier threat on the bases, Nico Hoerner achieved a career-best season at the plate. Though not a home run threat, his elite contact skills and newfound ability to pull the ball in the air have elevated his offensive game.
14. Blake Snell
Shoulder issues sidelined Blake Snell for four months, but the two-time Cy Young winner has returned in dominant form. Since rejoining the Dodger rotation in early August, he has posted a 2.41 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 52 ⅓ innings, looking primed to lead the team in the postseason.
13. Kyle Schwarber
One of the game’s premier sluggers is heading into free agency after a career year. Kyle Schwarber surpassed 50 home runs and drew over 100 walks for the third consecutive season, aiming to continue his elite “take and rake” production deep into the Phillies’ postseason run.
12. Brice Turang
Already established as an impact player with his excellent up-the-middle defense and baserunning, Brice Turang reached a new offensive tier this season. His improved quality of contact suggests this new level is sustainable, making him one of the most valuable players on MLB’s best team.
11. Yoshinobu Yamamoto
In his second MLB season, a healthy Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered on his ace potential. Over 173 ⅔ innings, he posted a 2.49 ERA with 201 strikeouts and an elite 29.4% strikeout rate. His 18 quality starts provided critical stability for the Dodgers in their NL West title defense.
10. Freddy Peralta
Arguably the most underrated starting pitcher in baseball, Freddy Peralta was better than ever this season. He surpassed 200 strikeouts for the third straight year while posting a sub-3.00 ERA and an ERA+ above 150. His 5.6 WAR led baseball’s top team.
9. José Ramírez
The model of consistency, José Ramírez delivered another stellar all-around season. Playing in 158 games, he produced a 137 OPS+ with 30 home runs and 44 stolen bases while continuing to provide high-quality defense at third base.
8. Hunter Greene
Although a groin strain cost him over two months, Hunter Greene pitched like a true ace when healthy. In 19 starts, his high-90s fastball produced a 2.76 ERA, a 5.08 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and a 31.4% strikeout rate that would have ranked second in MLB if he had qualified.
7. Julio Rodríguez
Julio Rodríguez posted the best season of his four-year career by WAR, driven by a strong offensive rebound and exceptional all-around play. He appeared in 160 games, providing standout defense in center field and adding significant value on the bases, reaffirming his status as one of baseball’s most complete players.
6. Garrett Crochet
After converting from reliever to starter in 2024, Garrett Crochet answered all durability concerns by leading MLB in innings pitched during the regular season. His dominant stuff never wavered, establishing him as a true ace at the front of the Boston rotation.
5. Cristopher Sánchez
In the absence of Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez has emerged as the Phillies’ playoff ace and a top contender for the NL Cy Young award. He surpassed 200 innings and 200 strikeouts while posting an elite 2.50 ERA and 2.55 FIP.
4. Tarik Skubal
As the best pitcher in the American League, Tarik Skubal carries the Tigers’ postseason hopes on his shoulders. Over the last two seasons, he has been nothing short of dominant, compiling a 2.30 ERA with 469 strikeouts in 387 ⅓ innings.
3. Cal Raleigh
Known for his durability and defensive skills, Cal Raleigh elevated his power to historic levels this season. He set new single-season home run records for both catchers and switch-hitters, making a 60-homer season from the catcher position a reality for the first time.
2. Aaron Judge
The best hitter in baseball remains in a class of his own. Aaron Judge is a strong candidate to win his third career AL MVP award after another dominant season, leading the majors in WAR and posting an OPS+ north of 200 once again.
1. Shohei Ohtani
The two-way superstar remains one of the most formidable power threats in the game, becoming the first player since 2000-01 to hit 50 home runs in consecutive seasons. His 2025 campaign also marked his return to the mound after elbow surgery. While not yet at his peak as a pitcher, Ohtani is expected to contribute crucial innings for the reigning champions in October.
